Capturing ‘Wild Things’ Creator by His Tales--and Illustrations Too

“The night Max wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind

and another

his mother called him “WILD THING!”

And Max said “I’LL EAT YOU UP!”

So he was sent to bed without eating anything.”

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For any adult or child who has read “Where the Wild Things Are,” these words will instantly conjure Max in his wolf suit riding off in his boat to meet the wild things who “roared their terrible roars.”

“Where the Wild Things Are: Maurice Sendak in His Own Words and Pictures,” a new exhibition opening Friday at the Skirball Cultural Center, pays tribute to the award-winning writer and illustrator through his original drawings, sketches, watercolors and personal documents, which help explain how he conceptualized his tales.

The exhibition also will include interactive components for kids, including a giant-size soup bowl (“Chicken Soup With Rice”) and a miniature version of Max’s boat.

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“Where the Wild Things Are: Maurice Sendak in His Own Words and Pictures,” Skirball Cultural Center and Museum, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. Ends Jan. 5. Tuesday through Saturday, noon-5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults, $8; seniors and students, $6; children under 12, free. (310) 440-4500.